On a business trip we vitually took over the hotel for a week so with a captive audience the hotel did not have to try too hard - and they didn't. Rooms were ok but could have used an overhaul - tired and could easily have been top class. Certainly plenty of space. Public areas were tidy but lacked character and soul. Breakfasts had great choice if a little predictable. Lunch and dinner became predictable - the same accompaniments made their way out at lunch and dinner which showed a lack of variety and planning. The bar was ok - small but ok. The disappointment was the staff - surly, needed reminding and were at times unhelpful. Terrific were the grounds which shone with the sunshine. Great pool and close to the beach. Maybe we got the place a little too early in the year ??

We stayed here for 4 nights over the new yr period....we booked a side sea view and was more than adequate ...you may want to pay the extra for full sea view but we enjoyed the view from the 5th floor...(best views from 3rd floor and above)

We stayed half board and the food was very good with plenty of choice at breakfast and evening meal. The Hotel was spotless, staff friendly, the bar a little quiet at times but we were here in December so would be busier in the summer months.

Steps down to the beach may be around 130 in total but not too steep. You can walk to Vilamoura Marina in about 1 hour taking brisk steps for around hr and half is strolling. A bus back to the hotel from the Marina is 3 euros or 15 euros in taxi...bus stop at the back of the marina nearby Macdonalds. Lovely cafes, bars etc around the Marina good place to people watch. Closer to the hotel down a slightly downhill is Olhas De Agua a small pretty cove with a few bars/cafes and restaurants and safe beach for children with little alcoves

Would certainly come back to this hotel. To add the weather was surprisingly warm the the time of yr 18 - 20 degrees for end Dec very good for walking along the beach to Vilamoura.

Just arrived back from 2 weeks at this hotel and can only agree with all the positive comments already posted. Stunning location and excellent food. The hotel actually closes tomorrow (10th Jan) for I think 4 weeks so the number of guests has been diminishing over the last 5-6 days. This did not affect standards however, and for the last 4 nights remaining guests were moved into the al a carte restaurant which created a much cosier atmoshere, and you were free to choose whatever you wanted ... a lovely end to the holiday. Regarding some of the negative aspects (e.g. steps down to the beach), I would simply say - do your homework before you go! The hotel is absolutely spotless and extremely comfortable with some fabulous viewpoints where you can while away a few hours with (or without) a drink. If you are keen walkers, then there are some great walks to be had from the hotel - some guests walked along the beach to Vilamoura (90 mins approx) or by road to Albufeira (a similar distance in the opposite direction). The only negative I can think of is that, as previously mentioned the walls do seem to be lacking some insulation and if you have noisy neighbours (as we did the first week), then this can be a problem. Apart from that - just go and relax and enjoy. We paid for a side sea view room but were given a full sea view, we've enjoyed wall to wall sunshine while the UK has been lashed by storms, we've taken breakfast outside each morning and ate mountains of freshly prepared fresh fruit while enjoying a panoramic view of the ocean. One last point - we weren't there for christmas eve so can't comment, but the hotel did an excellent job on New Years Eve - the dining room looked wonderful with balloons and all the trimmings and the free wine flowed freely!

Stayed at the Porto Bay on Christmas Eve 2011. Booked the Porto Bay because the Riu Palace wouldnt accept one night bookings.

The Porto Bay is, I think an ex Riu Hotel that has been refurbished to a high standard. On arrival we found a small bottle of complimentary port in our room and half a bottle of wine when leaving. At 17.30 on Christmas Eve we were invited to cocktails and canapes in the bar which were free flowing. The dinner on Christmas Eve was poor, with a set menu with a choice of two starters and two mains all were average at best, I guess the Hotel tried to allow staff to finish early to prepare for the big day, remembering that many would also be working again the next day.

Breakfast the next morning was very good with free Spumante. If we accept the hotel did not do itself justice on Christmas Eve from a dinner point of view we can say that everything else was of a high standard. The place was very clean the staff attentive, if anything a little over attentive for me but most would appreciate the care.The viewing areas overlooking Falesia Beach from the hotel gardens, lovely rattan furniture to relax and enjoy, are wonderful and the rest of the hotel facilities are to a high standard.

Its not the Riu Palace, but for me the Riu is special, however it was less expensive and a very acceptable second. We would definately return and would recommend this hotel.